But 2020 has been more than just those unforgettable cricket performances for Stokes. It has been a tough time for his family as his father, Gerard Stokes, was diagnosed with brain cancer. In August, the Christchurch-born player rushed to be with his family in New Zealand after being granted leave during England’s Test series against Pakistan. He spent five weeks with his parents, before heading to the United Arab Emirates to join his IPL franchise, the Rajasthan Royals. Stoke’s IPL outings this season—including a 107 not out from 60 balls—has not helped his team seal a berth in the play-offs. But it has set the tone for an enticing 2021 season, which will see an India-England series in January.
He says that he was prepared to open the innings for the Rajasthan Royals even before joining the team. He credits the consistency in his performances to the maturity and experience he has gained as a cricketer. Edited excerpts:
Q/England captain Eoin Morgan stated that playing in a bio-bubble can cause early burnouts. What are the challenges of playing in a bio-bubble over a long stretch?
This story is from the November 15, 2020 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 15, 2020 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Between hospital and home
Transitional care centres can add a lot to India's health care system
EFFORT VS EFFECT
The government's attempts to ensure quality drugs is evident, but how well new policies can be monitored on the ground remains to be seen
A way to let go of fear
Accepting the use of adult diapers is a journey with various stages-denial, concealment, rejection and reluctance
Mandeeps & a miracle
Two strangers, one deadly disease and an act of kindness. How Mandeep Mann saved Mandeep Singh, an acute leukaemia patient, by donating his stem cells
The A, B, C of cosmetic surgery
Between eight to 10 lakh cosmetic surgeries happen in India every year. Who is an ideal candidate, and what are the risks and results you can expect?
Vaccines and meningitis
In sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, and encompassing the northern part of Nigeria, there exists a region known as the African Meningitis Belt (AMB).
Celebrating diversity and inclusivity
As Indians battle it out in our nation's 18th general election, it is again time for voters to reflect on the \"Idea of India\"-or rather, on two duelling ideas of India that are now before us and between which the nation must choose at the ballot box.
Defendant: an Hermès handbag
When Hermès was hit with a class-action lawsuit last month for \"antitrust\" activities, it didn't see it coming. Most of the luxury world has all eyes on this suit, filed by two interested consumers who claim they were denied a purchase, and whether it would go to trial.
A legacy, bound
Amal Allana's biography of her father, Ebrahim Alkazi, is as much personal as it is historical
Cutting-edge chronicle
In his new book, Salman Rushdie's pen is mightier than the knife